To eradicate terrorism:

'President took firm stand'

Dharma Sri Abeyratne in Trincomalee

President Mahinda Rajapaksa took a firm stand to eradicate terrorism in the face of stiff opposition from international forces when the Mavilaru sluice gates were closed by the LTTE, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said.

Minister Rajapaksa was addressing a gathering in Trincomalee, participating in a ceremony to commission the Trincomalee District Secretariat Complex.

The minister said Trincomalee was controlled by two parties a few years ago. In accordance with Ranil Wickremesinghe's peace agreement with the LTTE, Trincomalee was included as an LTTE controlled area. According to that agreement, not only security forces personnel but also the public could not move freely in the Trincomalee district without obtaining LTTE permission.

Luckily, with the eradication of terrorism everyone is enjoing peace dividends. Everyone is free to move anywhere without any obstacle, the minister said.

The District Secretariat building has been constructed in line with the Nagenahira Navodaya development programme and district administrative building construction programme at a cost of Rs 700 million.

He further added that the building will play a pivotal role in the public service as it is equipped with modern facilities along with modern technology.

The first administrative complex was constructed in Hambantota in line with the new concept. More administrative buildings will be built in all districts since such administrative complexes are a part of changes which are being implemented in the public service. The state service will be subjected to some changes so as to meet public aspirations, he added.

The government has been engaged in a massive development initiative covering the entire country.

Rajapaksa said the government took steps to liberate Muttur when the LTTE attacked Muslims in Muttur. After that Sampur was liberated. Now all communities live peacefully and happily in a brotherly manner in Trincomalee.